When should I start downsizing?  The question that weighs on many people’s minds as we age.  Should I do it now?  Should I do it after the Alaskan cruise in March?  After my great-niece’s wedding in July?

The answer is it is NEVER to early to start downsizing.  Huh… really?  It’s not to soon!  If you are even thinking about it, it’s time to start.  Talk to your friends and family.  Involve your spouse, children and family as much as possible.  They may have useful insight.  If they are not near or haven’t done this life adventure yet, seek out resources in your community.

Start looking at living options that might fit your personality and lifestyle.  Do they fit my budget?  What activities and amenities are available? Is there a waitlist? This will assist in determining what items you will take to your new home, what items will be distributed to family members and which items will need to be disposed of or liquidated.

Aging in Place may the best option for you and your family.  Decluttering and minimizing possession will take a lot of stress and hard decision making for loved ones down the road.  Let’s face it, cleaning and maintaining is hard but it’s harder if stacks have to be moved or hundreds of Knick-knacks have to be dusted.

The best game plan is write down everything in one place.  Notes, brochures of retirement communities, resource lists, business cards, etc. all in one spot.  As you have thoughts or make important decisions put them in your notebook or folder.  Knowledge is power, but knowing where to access your knowledge is even better.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Senior Centers, Libraries and Government Agencies in your community can point you in directions that you never thought possible.  Ask your trusted financial planner, attorney, realtor, tax advisor doctor or even senior move manager for resources and referrals.

For more information about Senior Move Management click here.